Correlation between chemical and physical surface properties and blood compatibility of PPE/EVA‐blends

Abstract

AbstractThe chemical and physical surface properties of a biomaterial are of high importance for the blood compatibility of an implant. Blends of poly(propylene‐co‐ethylene) with various amounts of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (PPE/EVA‐blends) were examined because of the varying surface hydrophilicity. Surface characterizations were performed by means of X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Infrared Spectroscopy in Attenuated Totalreflexion Mode (IR‐ATR) in relation to dynamic contact angle and zeta potential measurements. The examination of the blood compatibility of the polymer surfaces was carried out in vitro in a modified BOWRY blood chamber with native whole human blood. A balanced ratio of polar and dispersive surface free energy and a zeta potential of −4 mV are the conditions for a good blood compatibility of the investigated PPE/EVA‐blends.